This session focuses specifically on storytelling environments for the elementary classroom. Each of the environments below will enable students to create a story to share with others. Some allow the students to use their own media, others provide media. Obviously some of these environments can be used with middle and high school students as well.

Today we will:
  • Explore web-based digital storytelling environments
  • Create a product in one of the environments


Story starter ideas developed by Christina Baldwin in her book Storycatcher
Normal Rockwell was a terrific visual storyteller - he focused on morality, community, and emotion.

Want to go much deeper into storytelling? Visit the Story Tools wiki and Jason Ohler's Digital Storytelling website


Are you using media (images, video, audio) that isn't yours? Are you following copyright? Check out the copyright information on the Photos and Visuals page for more information.


AnimotoLogo.jpg - Upload images and the software will analyze them, suggest music, and remix them to create an interesting video collage that you can share with others
Examples:
All the broken pieces
Hillsboro Elementary
The hunger games



BlabberizeLogo.jpg - Make your photo talk

Example: My dog introduces herself to you.




TellAStoryIn5FramesFlickr.jpg
Tell a story with 5 pictures
Examples
What do we have in the picnic basket?
Bus Stop Man




GoAnimateNewLogo.jpg - Create animated videos
Example: A back to school welcome animation
GoAnimate.com: Glenn ELementary by JuliaSchoon

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!




KerpoofLogo.jpg - Use comics and different characters with different emotional body language...You can create stories and apply text and thought bubbles. It goes up to 4 frames, but to do more than one, you can simply create 2 individual sets. It allows you to print and email them after!! But be sure you do! The site does not store them once you've closed the browser!
Examples from KCD Computer Lab using Kerpoof





LittleBirdTalesLogo.jpg - Very simple, easy-to-use interface allows you to upload or draw images, add text, record your voice, then play and even embed your story
Examples:
Fancy Dress
Signs of Math
Team Pink: Mom & Me
What Daddies Do Best



MakeBeliefsComix.png- Comic generator site lets you select from a number of different characters, change their emotions, overlap elements, rescale things, etc.. This site also has some printables.




myths-legends-logo.jpg
- Use the Story Creator to create your own story using culturally-rich backgrounds and characters
Examples: Peruse the Showcase to view sample stories



PhotopeachLogo.jpg - Quickly create slide shows with captions, text, photos, and quiz questions
Example: Polar Bear Quiz - Interactive quiz about polar bears and their habitat




StorybirdLogo.gif - Storybird allows students to choose artwork from real children's book artists for their stories.
Examples: KDitzler has a description of the environment and multiple examples.



VoicethreadInK12EducationLogo.jpg - Easy way to connect photos and voices and allow for others to comment on the content through text, audio and/or video.

Example: A culminating project - Poetry for Two Voices



VokiLogo.jpg - Create your own talking avatars and manage classroom accounts
Example: Voki in 2nd Grade


Want more options? Visit Cindy's Digital Storytelling page.